Nine bucket-list-worthy luxury safari camps to visit in Zimbabwe

Posted by Chloe Cowley on 25 March 2022

Zimbabwe is home to some of the wildest and most beautiful national parks that are filled with a plethora of different wildlife, birds and flora. If you are looking for an authentic luxury safari experience and are not sure where to go, then look no further.

We have compiled a list of nine luxury safari camps in Zimbabwe to inspire your next adventure into the bush.

1. The Hide, Hwange National Park

The Hide is located in a prime position of Zimbabwe’s breathtakingly beautiful Hwange National Park. It has been voted as one of the ‘Best Safari Lodges’ in Zimbabwe and is known for its warm and welcoming staff who make you feel right at home from the moment of arrival.

The game viewing is fantastic and is right on your doorstep, there are also a variety of daily activities to take part in like guided bush walks and game drives. The waterhole hides are also a guest favourite and allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife.

The main lodge overlooks a wildlife-rich waterhole and offers deluxe family and honeymoon tents. If you’re looking for a more intimate safari, then the private hide offers the perfect setting for couples and individual groups, accommodating up to eight people. Tom’s Little Hide is ideal for family safaris as it can only be booked out exclusively, offering the freedom and privacy you need to explore Hwange National Park.

All guests of The Hide Safari Camp can experience a night at the exclusive Dove’s Nest and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, authentic and wild safari stay under the starry African skies, in your very own private treehouse.

Rates

SADC:

Green Season (01 Nov 2022 – 31 Mar 2023): USD 232 (R3 372)
Mid Season (01 April 2022 – 30 June 2022): USD 260 (R3 779)
High Season (01 July 2022 – 31 Oct 2022): USD 320 (R4 651)

International:

Green Season (01 Nov 2022 – 31 Mar 2023): US$312 (R4 535)
Mid Season (01 April 2022 – 30 June 2022): US$396 (R5 756)
High Season (01 July 2022 – 31 Oct 2022): US$556 (R8 082)

For more information check out The Hide’s website. 

2. The Palm River Hotel, Victoria Falls 

Located in Zimbabwe’s tourism capital, Victoria Falls, this is a newly opened, family-run hotel that delivers the ultimate luxury experience and comfort. The hotel has become a distinctive landmark for Victoria Falls with its innovative blend of traditional East-Coast Australian architecture paired with the beautiful landscape of the upper Zambezi River.

There is easy access for guests to explore Africa’s Natural World Wonder of Victoria Falls as well as all the fun activities on offer in the Victoria Falls town. Guests can take in the magic of the Zambezi River and enjoy the abundance of birdlife on the Ra-Ikane River Cruise that launches at the hotel riverfront site or even go on helicopter flights over the Falls itself. For the adrenaline junkies, you can go white water rafting, enjoy highwire activities over the gorge, or if you’d prefer to relax, then you can enjoy sun tanning by the 34 m infinity pool.

The hotel also focuses on sustainability and combines solar power with hydroelectricity supplied by the strong flow of the Zambezi River using a hybrid system that generates electricity for the hotel. They also use solar power to heat their water supplies.

The Palm River Hotel certainly has something for every member of the family and is a great option if you’re looking to visit Victoria Falls.

Rates

Opening and Autumn special: US$189 (R2 747) per person per night (this rate is valid until the end of April 2022).

For more information check out their website and their Facebook page.

3. Khulu Lodge, Amalinda Safari Collection, Hwange National Park

Khulu Bush Camp is located on the shoulder of Hwange National Park and is a small nine tent lodge that is named by the local Matabele people, Khulu (meaning grandfather) which is a respectful tribute to the family.

If you are looking for an unparalleled feeling of seclusion and remoteness in the true African wilderness then this is the spot for you. Khulu Bush Camp offers an up-close and personal experience with the famous Presidential Elephant Herd drinking from the pool as they traverse their key home range which includes Khulu’s 6000-acre concession. If you want an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, then this is it.

This intimate tent under thatch camp has a strong foot-hold in the preservation of a protected area on the boundary of Hwange National Park. Guests who choose to enjoy their safari here, contribute to the sustainability of wildlife protection as a cushion between the community and the Park.

Activities at the Camp include top-of-the-range guiding and wildlife viewing. The camp is also easily accessible by road or from the airport.

Rates

All Inclusive Special – valid until the 31st October 2022. (Subject to change)

$260 USD (R3 798) per person per night sharing

$310 USD (R4 528) per single occupancy

No children under 12 years.

Includes: Accommodation, all meals, local drinks, 2 activities per day and laundry.

Exclusions: premium drinks, park entry fees, conservation levy, WIFI and any other extras.

To get more information check out their website.

4. Singita Pamushana Lodge, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

Located in the 52 609 hectare Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in the remote southeast area of Zimbabwe is Pamushana Lodge. Perched high up on a sandstone ridge that overlooks the breath-taking expanse of the Malilangwe Dam are eight elegant suites all of which have their private pools. The lodge prides itself on giving a guest experience that allows a soothing and inspiring safari done in luxury.

The main lodge area allows for visitors to take in the astounding natural beauty of the surrounding Reserve, you will be captivated by the views. You can expect to immerse yourself in nature by going on game drives twice a day, bush walks or boat cruises at sunset. You can also try your hand at fishing at Pamushana.

If you love history then you can take a trip to the rock art sites where you can marvel at the ancient paintings done centuries ago by some of the first people who called this area home.

Rates 

Peak season: Double suite, per adult per night at US$2 550 (R37 061)

Midseason: Double suite, per adult per night at US$2 240 (R32 561)

Off-peak season: Double suite, per adult per night at US$1 940 (R28 200)

For more information, visit their website.

5. Fothergill Island, Matusadona National Park

Home – Fothergill Matusadona (fothergill-matusadona.com)

Fothergill Island, located in the Matusadona National Park on Lake Kariba is certain to leave guests wanting to come back. Fothergill is a magical oasis where travel dreams, rich African traditions and colourful history combine to create a luxury safari experience like no other. The Island has undergone an incredible transformation into a world-class conservation and tourism destination.

The vision of Fothergill is to create an exceptional private safari island experience for their guests while preserving the incredible wildlife and the future of the people that call it home. Two camps surround a shared seating, dining, bar and pool areas which are perfect for relaxation.

Lake Kariba is well known for its vibrant flora and fauna, as well as its countless activities. Fothergill offers fly-fishing, nature walks and child-friendly activities. Guides with great knowledge and fishermen with the best tips will enhance the experience for every guest. Along with this, renowned chefs will create tantalizing culinary experiences using fresh ingredients served in the most beautiful settings. Fothergill will certainly blow you away.

Rates

International:

Low Season: 11 January to 30 April 2022 at US$650 per person per night minimum 4 guests sharing

High Season: 1 May to 31st October 2022 at US$850 per person per night minimum 4 guests sharing

SADC:

1 January to 31 December 2022 at US$365 (R5 305) per person per night in Island Suites- minimum 6 guests sharing (can be reduced to a minimum of 2 guests sharing subject to space available and booking within 30 days of arrival date).

Or US$365 (R5 305) per person per night in Lake Suites –minimum 6 guests sharing (can be reduced to a minimum of 2 guests sharing subject to space available and booking within 30 days of arrival date).

6. Nyamatusi Camp, African Bush Camps, Mana Pools 

Nyamatusi is African Bush Camps’ third camp in Mana Pools National Park and is located in the Nyamatusi Wilderness area. The park itself exudes a feeling of beauty in an untouched wilderness. Nyamatusi Camp is situated on the banks of the renowned Zambezi River and is a representation of the surrounding environment. The camp is reminiscent of days gone by and is inspired by nature.

Nyamatusi comprises of six spacious and well-appointed tents, each with its private deck and plunge pool, offering remote views overlooking the Zambezi. Mana Pools offers a diversity of different wildlife and bird species, including the endangered and rare wild dogs. The Zambezi River itself is famous for its large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.

Watch the drama of nature play out before your eyes on game drives or thrilling canoeing safaris. Fishing on the Zambezi River (catch and release only) and birding safaris are highlights here. All these activities are included in your stay and led by qualified and passionate guides keen to share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.

Rates 

December at US$520 (R7 570) per person per night.

April, May, November at US$651 (R9 477) per person per night.

June to October at US$990 (R14 412) per person per night.

Check out their website for more information.

7. Elephant’s Eye, Hideaways Africa, Hwange National Park

Just a short 20-minute flight from Victoria Falls or a two-and-a-half-hour transfer by car will bring you to Elephant’s Eye in Hwange, located on a private concession that shares a fenceless border with Hwange National Park.

This lodge offers night-time game drives, guided safari walks and horseback safaris in one of Zimbabwe’s most unspoiled wilderness areas. This unforgettable luxurious eco-lodge offers a secluded escape in the heart of the African bush where a passionate team of guides will invite you to fall in love with the wilderness and witness nature’s displays of drama, serenity, and freedom in the heart of Africa.

Elephant’s Eye is a luxury eco-lodge that hosts guests in eight comfortable raised tented chalets made with sustainable and reclaimed materials, all with private outdoor showers and views over the waterhole. There is also a swimming pool and an eco-spa that welcome you to take the time to indulge and relax.

This is a great destination if you wish to enjoy an interactive luxury safari getaway.

Rates

April – June 2022

Per person sharing on fully inclusive: US$215.00

Per person sharing on full Board: US$125.00

July – December 2022

Per person sharing on fully inclusive: US$269.00

Per person sharing on full Board: US$159.00

Fully inclusive rates include All meals, 2 game activities per day, soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages.

For more information check out their website.

8. Amalinda Lodge, Amalinda Safari Collection, Matobo National Park

This quirky African-inspired refuge is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe, tucked away into an ancient Bushman’s shelter. It is the perfect spot if you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a different world.

Amalinda Lodge, part of the Amalinda Safari Collection is a place where world-class facilities perfectly harmonise with the cultural and spiritual energy for which the Matobo Hills is known for. The rooms are built into granite domes which will provide a truly tranquil experience for you if you want to be one with nature for a few days. There is a plethora of different birdlife in the area, and it is famous for its population of rhino.

Activities include rhino tracking, historical excursions to explore the sites of the San tribes, bicycle rides through the villages and rural homes in Matopos and hours of relaxation by Amalinda’s magical infinity rock swimming pool.

Rates

All Inclusive Special – Valid until the 31st October 2022. (subject to change)

$260 USD (R3 798) per person per night sharing.

$310 USD (R4 528) single occupancy.

$130 USD (R1 899) per child [4 – 11years] sharing with an adult, 0 – 3 years free of charge.

Includes: Accommodation, all meals, local drinks, 2 activities per day and laundry.

Exclusions: premium drinks, park entry fees, wifi and any other extras.

Addition: $5.00 USD (R73) per person per night MACL compulsory levy.

9. Somalisa Camp, African Bush Camps, Hwange National Park 

If you are looking for an intimate bush break that you can enjoy with friends and loved ones then Somalisa Camp, part of African Bush Camps is the spot for you. This is Camp is where tranquillity meets adventure in the heart of Hwange National Park. One moment you are sipping on your cold drink, listening to the distant roar of a lion, and the next you are admiring a herd of elephants right in front of you.

Nature and luxury work together at Somalisa Camp. With natural wood and copper finishes, the natural features of the bush harmonise perfectly with this style. There is an expansive deck in the main area where there is a pool that is often visited by elephants. It is an exhilarating experience that you won’t want to miss out on.

Activities include guided walks, game drives and night drives which are led by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other species.

At Somalisa, you arrive as a guest, but you leave as part of the family.

Rates

January, February, March, December at US$520 (R7 905) per person per night.

April, May, November at US$651 (R9 477) per person per night.

June, July, August, September, October at US$990 (R14 412) per person per night.

Pictures: Supplied

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